Why Should You Always Inspect After a Lightning Strike?

Lightning can send a powerful surge through your home's wiring, plumbing, and structural elements. That surge can crack pipes, melt wire insulation, or create small holes in your roof. Water may then seep into walls, ceilings, or floors without any obvious sign at first. By the time you notice a stain or a musty odor, the damage has already spread.

You should walk through every room after a strike. Look for discolored spots on ceilings or walls, damp carpet edges, or a faint smell of burning. Check your attic and crawl spaces for puddles or wet insulation. These clues point to water intrusion that needs attention. Catching it early can save you from larger repairs later.

• Check ceilings and walls for new stains or bubbling paint
• Feel carpet and flooring for dampness, especially near walls
• Look in the attic for wet spots or dripping water
• Sniff for musty or smoky odors that were not there before
• Test outlets and switches for sparks or flickering lights
• Inspect the roof for cracked or displaced shingles

Start with the rooms closest to where the strike hit, but do not skip the rest of the house. In the kitchen and bathroom, check under sinks and around appliances for puddles. In bedrooms, feel the baseboards and corners of the room. A flashlight helps you spot water lines or shadows that are easy to miss in normal light.

Pay attention to your electrical panel and outlets. A surge can trip breakers or damage wiring, which might create heat or sparking. If you see scorch marks or smell burning plastic, turn off power at the main switch and call a professional. Water and electricity do not mix, so stay safe and keep your distance from wet areas.

Take photos and notes of everything you find during your inspection. Write down the date and time of the strike, and note any damage you see. This record can be useful if you decide to file a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to understand what documentation they may need.

Your insurance company might ask for a list of damaged items or areas. Clear photos of stains, puddles, or damaged electronics can help. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make, like tarping a roof or moving wet furniture. Being organized makes the process smoother and helps you track what was affected.